CHAIRMAN Lionel Newton is calling on the Wyre Forest public to rally around new-look Kidderminster Harriers.

Boss Jan Molby wants better football from his men after they opened with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Scunthorpe.

And Newton said the club hoped to improve on the 3,173 gate before appealing for fans to back next Tuesday's Worthington Cup first round tie.

Harriers entertain last season's Division One play-off losers Preston North End but initial demand for the game has been "disappointing" though it is not all-ticket.

Newton declared: "Jan and the team need the vocal support. Preston is a huge game financially and we're hoping for 4,500 to 5,000 people.

"If we get beaten badly, it's not going to do our confidence any good so we really need the support of the town.

"We've had a very encouraging start. We have the depth in the squad now and a strong spine to the team.

"The team will be even stronger and more experienced at this time next year without the need for new signings.

"We have young players like Ben Davies, Abdou Sall and Lee Ayres and the team will have gelled together."

Meanwhile, Newton has insisted none of the £693,000 for Lee Hughes' £5 million-plus transfer to Coventry City will go to former chairman David Reynolds who wants a £212,000 loan paid back.

The cash will go towards securing the club's future by helping fund a new stand to meet Football League requirements and paying off other debts.

Newton explained: "It will hopefully give us security for the next three years.

"People may think I'm sat here with a big cheque but the cash is split into drip-feed payments and depends on the length of contract."

There has also been speculation over £1m-rated defender Craig Hinton who is being watched by Manchester City.

On the field, Harriers head to Darlington on Saturday with hopes of repeating last season's 2-1 away win.

The men from the north-east are looking to bounce back from a 1-0 opening day defeat at Southend.

Forward Drewe Broughton is back from suspension but a pre-season hamstring problem will restrict his chances of starting.

Defender Adie Smith has missed some training due to a foot injury but is expected to play, while midfielder Danny Williams is still banned.

And ex-Aston Villa man Mark Blake has made a quick impression after being named captain for the opening match.

Manager Molby admitted: "Apart from his footballing ability, Mark has good leadership qualities and lets players know what he wants. I thought he was excellent."

Molby has also emphasised his belief in turning to the younger players this season, as proved by the selection of Ben Davies.

But his stance could mean a frustrating campaign for experienced names Ian Clarkson, Mark Shail and Paul Webb unless Harriers suffer injuries.

Meanwhile, Harriers' home game with Rochdale on Boxing Day will now kick-off at 1pm.